Paris Hilton spots 'tiger' ... on safari in South Africa

Paris Hilton found herself the subject of ridicule this week, after she tweeted enthusiasm for spotting tigers while on safari in South Africa.

The remarkable American, who has been in place last week to watch the World Cup and take in the sights, from safari wrote: "So many amazing animals here - elephants, tigers, zebras, Cheetahs, Rhinos, Hippos , etc. So awesome!

While elephants, zebras, cheetahs, rhinos and hippopotami are plentiful supply in South Africa, the Tigers - who are native to Asia - are not.While Hilton, 29, did not mention where she, her sister Nicky and two cousins had launched Safari, the accompanying photos make it clear that there was Johannesburg Zoo - where they have successfully bred Siberian tigers.

Blonde - perhaps nudged by some 4000 people who follow her on the social networking website - quickly realized her mistake.

"I mean leapards" she wrote on Twitter an hour later, before he corrected himself again: "I mean no tigers leopards.: P Oops."

Questionable spelling not end there, as the hotel heiress Hilton gladly showed her adventures in Africa home to friends.

Hilton, who was briefly arrested for suspected cannabis smoking during a World Cup match in Port Elizabeth last week before they are released without charge, continued to chirp: "Ella" Elaphant, "A large Elaphant Cute" , and: "So amazing, sitting outside eating lunch and a family of five Elaphants just feet away from us. So incredible!"